Abstract A steam-hydrocarbon reformer which includes a source of a gaseous charge with parallel inlet manifolds being coupled to the source. Two parallel rows of vertical catalyst tubes are provided which are connected by inlet tubes to the inlet manifolds. One outlet manifold is provided which is connected by outlet tubes to the catalyst tubes. A counterweight system suspends the catalyst tubes in vertical attitude to relieve the inlet and outlet tubes of the weight thereof. A system is provided at the bottoms of the catalyst tubes permitting horizontal movement of the same but restricting vertical movement thereof. A further counterweight system acts on the bottoms of the catalyst tubes to put the outlet tubes under tension. Sheets are arranged at the tops of the catalyst tubes to which latter freely extend to accommodate thermal expansion of the catalyst tubes. The catalyst tubes are connected together in their respective rows. The inlet manifolds and sheets are supported at the centers thereof to permit outward thermal expansion in opposite directions. A further counterweight system is provided for supporting the inlet manifolds.
A reformer as claimed in claim 1 wherein there are two parallel inlet manifolds and one outlet manifold and wherein there are two parallel rows of said catalyst tubes, said inlet tubes connecting the inlet manifolds to respective of said rows of catalyst tubes.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
29 words
A reformer as claimed in claim 2 comprising means at the bottoms of the catalyst tubes permitting hOrizontal movement of the same but restricting vertical movement of the same.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
38 words
A reformer as claimed in claim 3 comprising sheets at the tops of the catalyst tubes through which the latter freely extend to accommodate thermal expansion of the catalyst tubes, said sheets permitting horizontal expansion of said rows.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
A reformer as claimed in claim 4 comprising means connecting the catalyst tubes in each respective row together.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
A reformer as claimed in claim 5 comprising means fixing the inlet manifolds and sheets at the centers thereof whereby outward thermal expansion in opposite directions is permitted.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
A reformer as claimed in claim 1 wherein the catalyst tubes include tapered top and bottom extremities.